Samurai Armor (Gusoku) / Mizuhiki Hand-knotted Art / Black

This armor is made of Mizuhiki craftsmanship by Tsuda Mizuhiki Origata, a long-established company that is the birthplace of the traditional Japanese craft, Kaga Mizuhiki. It is made of black Mizuhiki material and features a beautiful shape. It makes extensive use of heavy black parts, giving it a strong visual presence.In addition, it comes with a removable sword so that it can be displayed as an interior decoration.

Width：13cm
Depth：13cm
Height：24cm
Weight：850g

Paper

TSUDA MIZUHIKI

Elevating tradition into art

Today, their work goes beyond ceremonial uses, expanding into art pieces and modern accessories. With a balance of heritage and innovation, Tsuda Mizuhiki continues to share the beauty of this craft with the world.

ARTISAN STORY

Tsuda Mizuhiki
Kaga decorative knots was created in the Taisho era by Sōkichi Tsuda, who transformed simple paper cords into an art form. For five generations, the Tsuda Mizuhiki Studio has carried on his legacy, preserving tradition while exploring new expressions.

KAGA MIZUHIKI / KAGA DECORATIVE KNOTS

About 100 years ago / 1910s / Taisho Period (1912–1926)

Kaga mizuhiki developed in the Taisho period when Kanazawa craftsman Sokichi Tsuda devised a distinctive way of shaping paper cords into three-dimensional forms without sharply folding them. Mizuhiki, previously used mainly as flat ceremonial ties, became cranes, turtles, pine, bamboo and plum motifs associated with Kanazawa’s gift culture.

In Japan, mizuhiki acts almost like a visual language for life events—marriage, birth, celebration and mourning each have appropriate colors and knots. Kaga mizuhiki is especially sculptural and today appears not only on gift envelopes but in New Year decorations, jewelry and artworks.

Its remarkable quality is that delicate paper cords can be transformed into birds or flowers with very little cutting. To international eyes it can resemble miniature paper sculpture. A material once subordinate to wrapping was elevated into an independent form of three-dimensional craft.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.